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© St. Petersburg Times, published March 15, 2003
CLEARWATER -- Ricky Orta had three hits, including a double in the ninth inning that advanced the winning run to third base, and scattered six hits as Florida Christian defeated Clearwater Central Catholic 3-1 in nine innings.
In the top of the ninth, Florida Christian's Sean Watson walked. Orta followed by ripping the first pitch into the rightfield corner. Felix Martinez then singled to rightfield for the go-ahead run.
The teams were locked in a pitching duel for most of the game. The Marauders' Ryan Webb allowed one run through the first seven innings, striking out nine. Orta struck out 11.
The Patriots (10-1) scored first in the top of the fifth. Albert Destrade singled between right and center, stole second, went to third on a throwing error and scored on a passed ball.
Clearwater Central Catholic (4-2) answered an inning later. With one out, Tyler Silver hit a slow roller to first, but Orta failed to cover the base in time. Silver stole second, advanced on a wild pitch and scored on a passed ball.